Motion Computing LE1700: A Portable, Affordable Drawing Tablet
[dc]S[/dc]ince I started using Manga Studio 5, I considered investing in a drawing tablet. By drawing tablet, I mean one with a screen I can draw on, not a regular tablet, like my old Wacom Intuos 3.
My Intous 3 works fine, for the most part, but it means drawing the ‘separate my hand and my eye’ thing–it is basically a step up from a mouse. Handy, but not great.
Cost is the main hurdle for me, as most screen drawing tablets are pricey, nearly the cost of a new computer, or more.
I researched and test drove three different models and my choice is down to one of the three: a Motion Computing LE1700, a Wacom Cintiq, or a Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
Today’s post is about the Motion Computing LE1700, with the Wacom Cintiq and the Surface Pro 3 each getting their own posts to come (Wednesday and Thursday).
Now, I don’t need a new drawing tablet, but if I really want to get my money’s worth out of Manga Studio 5 (and other drawing programs), it would be a good investment. I keep reminding myself, “Not having a screen drawing tablet won’t stop me from doing what I have done for the past couple years.”
However, if a new drawing tablet allows me to work faster and more efficiently, it is at least worth exploring.
Motion Computing LE1700: A Portable and Affordable Drawing Tablet
You can find the Motion Computing LE1700 on eBay.
A few of my Lansing area comic pals use this the Motion Computing LE1700 and sing its praises. The interesting thing about the Motion Computing LE1700 is, it wasn’t built for artists. The device itself is a few years old and isn’t made any longer (at least not this specific model). The LE1700 tablet started out for industrial use, and someone later figured out its screen was excellent for drawing.
Comic pal Jason Strutz let me take his Motion LE1700 for a spin.
Motion Computing LE1700 Stats:
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Cost: Around $200 to $400, depending on the options.
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Weight: about 3 lbs.
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Screen size: 12.1”.
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Screen Resolution: 1400×1050.
- Processor: Varies on the model, but around 1.2 to 1.5 ghz.
- RAM: Varies, but Manga Studio 5 needs at least 2 GB of RAM.
Motion Computing LE1700 Pros:
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Cost. Very affordable compared to other drawing tablets. About a third or half of the price.
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Portable. The LE1700 is a self-contained computer, not an external monitor.
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Good stylus response. I tried one myself. Sketching and lettering felt great. There was some lag when trying use ‘natural media’ brushes (like watercolors) on large images however.
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Compact.
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Can run Manga Studio. I tried out Manga Studio on a friend’s LE 1700.
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Models with a Solid State Drive (SSD) are available (but might cost more)
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Wi-fi capable.
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Attachable keyboard (which I have heard is so-so).
Motion Computing LE1700 Cons:
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Can only buy used models via eBay (or someplace similar). New models of this model are not produced. You get what you get.
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Old technology (I heard these machines are 5 to 6 years old).
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Extra and new batteries can be difficult to find (can still run on a power adapter though) and pricey.
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Would have to install Windows 7 or 8 (some ship with it installed, however).
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Would have to install Manga Studio 5, which might mean buying another copy (probably not though).
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Might need more upgrades after purchase (RAM, etc), which could cut into its affordability.
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No CD drive, which makes software installations from a disk a challenge.
The biggest perks of the Motion LE1700 are the cost and portability.
These days, portable is good. I often like to work away from home, because it forces me to focus (my cats and PlayStation 3 can’t come with me to the local coffee place. Sadly).
The cost is very alluring, about a third of a Wacom Cintiq or a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. My main concerns are the age of the machine, buying a used machine, having to rely on Windows,¹ not being able to use my already purchased software.
Does the low-cost and portability of the Motion Computing LE1700 out-weigh these concerns? Maybe.
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¹ Yes, I use a Mac. I don’t consider the Mac OS ‘better’ than Windows. I just prefer its simplicity. I realize if I go the tablet computer route, I gotta use Windows. Oh well.
I really like the look of this tablet, especially the price, I have a wireless Wacom Bamboo Create tablet that I use, and I have the same disconnect that you have. Drawing in one place while looking in another. I have been trying to use my Samsung Note 10 2014 for this, but while the screen is good and the pen is excellent being an android tablet makes for some complications that a windows tablet wouldn’t have. I have a Surface Pro, but I simply hate windows 8 with a passion and if I could install Windows 7 on it all would be well. I will have to keep an eye on ebay for one of these and give it a try.
I *think* you can install Windows 7 on it–I’m pretty sure that is what my friends are using on their Motions. It is a fun gadget, but it may not be the tablet for me. I like easy, so a newer machine is probably ideal.
I meant Windows 7 on the Surface Pro. It is a great screen and a good pen experience but crippled by Windows 8.
The Motion would be fine with whatever OS it uses. For the money I would certainly try one out, I mean I just saw a few on ebay at $125.00 I spent more than that on the Wacom…
Ah,I gotcha. Have you heard of anyone uninstalling 8 on a Surface Pro 3 and replacing it with 7?
No, I mean I am sure someone somewhere has, but there are so many things incompatible between a surface and Windows 7 that I wouldn’t bother to try. Better to use HyperV and run 7 in a virtual machine on windows 8.